Fight for best female warrior of White Run

Lydia's Fighting Traits

Rushes into combat preferring one handed weapons/but deadly with two

aggressive melee fighter that is great with a shield she also uses a bow for targets out of each

Aela's Fighting Traits

Prefers the bow mainly bad with shield great with one handed weapons

she also can transform into a werewolf when pissed off once a day pretty awesome

I'm going to say that Aela would probably win due to the fact that she can transform into a werewolf. If Lydia was equipped with some better armor and given an enchanted silver sword, then she might stand a chance.

I think Lydia is more dangerous and would win in a fight.

That said, I prefer Aela as a companion because I tend to melee, and I hate it when the NPCs get in the way. I'd much rather my companion is working a bow.

Aela the Huntress.

Lydia would be dead before she knew it as Aela favors the bow and is a renowned hunter. And she uses a sword and shield. Lets not forget one very important factor here. Aela is a werewolf and I doubt she would hide this form if her life was on the line.

If I had to bet. Aela. Plus she is beautiful.

Lydia! Lydia! Lydia!

M'aiq is M'aiq and he supports Lydia all the way.

are we arguing from a gameplay perspective? oer more from a lore perspective..?

Lydia because She has the toughest life.
She's sworn to carry stuff.

Before Marriage: I am swooorn to carry your burdens!

After Marriage: I am swooorn to carry your babies!

Is it a fight to the death or just a test? If the latter, definitely Lydia, because you can't really spar with a bow and arrows, and I believe Aela is described by one of the other Circle members as not that great with a blade, when Ria asks why she can't train with Aela (this may be one of the pieces of dialogue added back in by ESF: Companions, not sure, also I'm paraphrasing a bit). If the former, probably Aela assuming she's not concerned about transforming in front of guards (i.e. the fight is in the wilderness) or she gets a headshot, given Lydia doesn't like to wear a helmet.

Mind you, Jenassa would slit both their throats before they'd even drawn their weapons, and Uthgerd would probably punch them both to death.

I attacked Jenassa in one of my other game slots I deleted it because

Lydia smashed her with a warhammer i made (legendary 74 damage)

I think Aela would win in a fight. I think the whole werewolf thing would win it for her if she had to use it.

I've only ever seen 1 companion turn into a werewolf for a fight. Does this happen often, or is it a "game theory" thing?

Does Aela ever lose her "essential" tag? Lydia (whom I have adventured with much more than Aela) dies quite easily for me, usually by my own hand

I'd say Lydia would beat Aela any day of the weak. However, Aela, Farkas, Skjor, and Vilkas vs. Lydia and three other housecarls, it wouldn't even be a question (even though each Housecarl could probably beat any given Companion in single combat). The companions fight as a team.

If Aela tried to turn into a werewolf before the fight, Lydia would know what she's up against, shield bash Aela into submission, and kill her without much risk to herself.

If Aela tried to take Lydia out with a bow, it depends on whether she can get around Lydia's shield, but too many will be thwarted, Lydia would close the distance, and win.

If Aela tried to turn into a werewolf to try to pull out a victory, Lydia would slay her while she's still writhing in the agony of the transformation, and the claws would never see action - seriously, transforming into a werewolf in the middle of a fight is suicide (I suggest NOT trying it, unless you're eager to reload or lose a DiD character)

i'm torn Aela is my companion/future wife but I rather Lydia have my back in battle

Nothing else to add.

I prefer Lydia as a companion, but even I know a sure bet when I see one: Aela would smear Lydia in battle.

I would like to add that Aela is dirty, and is no where near as hot as Lydia though.

its just warpaint bro